How much noise do we hear in a day? From the time we wake up to our alarm sound and fall asleep, we are constantly bombarded with a huge amount of everyday noise. If you spend every day in a noisy environment, you may find yourself exhausted before you know it.

"Seijo", which opened in Nakazakicho in April 2024, is a cafe based on the concept of "sound detox", where orders are taken without using voice. The staff who create the silence of Seijo are made up of members who are deaf or hard of hearing.

We spoke with Haruna Matsumoto, representative of Possible, a general incorporated association that created "Seijo."

Haruna Matsumoto, CEO of General Incorporated Association Possible

Knowing a world where disabilities are no longer obstacles gives birth to "purity"

The reason Matsumoto opened "Seijo" was because he visited a cafe in Vietnam where hearing-impaired people were working when he was a university student.

Upon entering the store, they were given a note that read, "We are deaf, so please order by writing. Please refrain from talking to other customers as much as possible and enjoy the silence." Matsumoto ordered coffee by writing, received the product exactly as ordered, and was lip-syncing with his friend, saying, "It's delicious." At that moment, he suddenly wondered, "What does that mean, a disability?"

"In a cafe where sound is not used, the fact that the staff are deaf is not an obstacle at all. I was impressed to realise that a disability can be eliminated depending on the environment."

Seeing the lively staff working there, he began to have a vague desire to create an environment in Japan where there are zero people who cannot work due to a disability.

What is a "Silent Experience" without using sound?

The silence of "Seijo" is maintained by staff who are deaf or hard of hearing. All communication between staff members is done through sign language. When you enter the shop, they will explain how to enjoy the shop using warm wooden blocks.

A block with a description of the store

Each seat is equipped with a notebook and pen for writing. As you communicate silently, without using your voice, you will feel your mind gradually calm down.

There are notebooks and pens for writing, as well as a sign explaining how to spend your time in the store.

Matsumoto's experience at the cafe in Vietnam not only revealed new insights about disabilities, but also surprised at the detoxifying sensation he felt when he spent time without using his ears.

"I suddenly realized I wasn't doing anything but listening to the sound of the rain. It was because I was spacing out that I suddenly came up with the idea of creating a disability-free environment, so I hope that others who undergo a similar detox will make some new discoveries," says Matsumoto.

Enjoy your own matcha and Japanese sweets

At "Seijo," customers can experience making matcha green tea themselves. The sound of the matcha green tea rustling in the store echoes pleasantly throughout the store, making you feel like your soul is being purified.

"I think the act of making matcha is a detox method that is uniquely Japanese. Of course you can enjoy the taste of the matcha you made, but you can also enjoy the bubbles that remain after you've finished drinking it and the beautiful bowl. I offer matcha because I think it fits the concept of a cafe where you can enjoy silence."

Once the matcha is made, it is enjoyed with nerikiri, a sweet confectionery. The nerikiri, which changes with the seasons, is apparently sourced from Kanazawa.

A place to escape the noise of everyday life and heal your soul

"Seijo" is a one-of-a-kind cafe where you can detox from sound in the bustling area that is typical of Osaka.

"We can provide a space where you can free your ears, one of the five senses, so if you're feeling a bit tired from your busy daily life, I'd love for you to come and visit us," says Matsumoto.

It is surprisingly difficult to find quiet time. "Seijo" provides a relaxing time that frees us from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Purification
Address: 1-10-13 Nakazakinishi, Kita-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture
Access: 5 minutes on foot from Exit 2 of Nakazakicho Station on the Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line
Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/shojo_cafe/
*For details on business hours and holidays, please check the link above.